International Football History and Statistics

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On this day in football history

1938 Billy Liddell signed for Liverpool from Scottish junior club Lochgelly Violet. He turned professional the following year on reaching the age of 17 but by this time the Second War had caused the abandonment of the League programme. Primarily an outside left he played in any forward position if required. Later in his career he had a most successful spell at centre forward and played for Scotland in this position. First turned out for Scotland in an unofficial wartime international in 1942 and after one further appearance the following year went to Canada for R.A.F. training. Returned to England in 1945 and made one more wartime appearance for Scotland. During the transitional season of 1945-46 he played in 4 Victory Internationals and in September 1946 his 'official' career started. It was to last until May 1961. During those years, all spent with Liverpool, he played in 492 League games and scored 216 goals, won a League championship medal in 1947 and a FA Cup runners-up in 1950. In eight of the nine seasons 1949-50 to 1957-58 he was the club's top scorer with 30 goals in 1954-55 his best. Made 28 appearances for Scotland between 1946 and 1955 and played twice for Great Britain teams against "the Rest of Europe" - at Hampden Park in May 1947 and in Belfast August 1955. A great credit to the game he was elected a J.P. in Liverpool during his playing days.

1953 Southend United signed Harry Threadgold, Sunderland goalkeeper. He gave the club ten years excellent service and played in 319 League matches for them during that time. Began with Chester in 1949 and moved to Sunderland 1952. Left the game from Southend and in all turned out in 437 League matches.

1958 Billy Wright, Wolverhampton Wanderers and England captain, married Joy Beverley, of the Beverley Sisters variety act, at Poole, Dorset.